A nurse is preparing to administer hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg PO. The amount available is hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg/tablet.

How many tablets should the nurse administer? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies.

(Do not use a trailing zero)

Choice A rationale
Cheyne-Stokes breathing is characterized by a pattern of periodic breathing with cycles of increasing and decreasing tidal volumes separated by periods of apnea. It is not typically associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) but rather with conditions such as heart failure, stroke, or brain injury.

Choice B rationale
Malignant hypertension is a severe form of high blood pressure that can lead to organ damage. It is not a typical finding in diabetic ketoacidosis. DKA is more commonly associated with dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic acidosis.
Choice C rationale
An acetone odor to the breath is a classic sign of diabetic ketoacidosis. This occurs due to the accumulation of ketones in the blood, which are byproducts of fat metabolism when the body is unable to use glucose for energy.
Choice D rationale
Blood glucose levels below 40 mg/dL indicate hypoglycemia, not diabetic ketoacidosis. DKA is characterized by high blood glucose levels, typically above 250 mg/dL34.

Choice A rationale
Respiratory alkalosis is incorrect. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and low PaCO₂, which is not consistent with the given ABG values. The client’s pH is low (7.22), indicating acidosis, and the PaCO₂ is high (68 mm Hg), indicating a respiratory cause.
Choice B rationale
Respiratory acidosis is correct. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the blood, leading to a decrease in pH. The given ABG values show a low pH (7.22) and a high PaCO₂ (68 mm Hg), which are indicative of respiratory acidosis. The elevated bicarbonate (28 mEq/L) suggests partial compensation by the kidneys.
Choice C rationale
Metabolic acidosis is incorrect. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and low bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) levels. In this case, the bicarbonate level is elevated (28 mEq/L), which is not consistent with metabolic acidosis. The primary issue is respiratory, as indicated by the high PaCO₂.
Choice D rationale
Metabolic alkalosis is incorrect. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and high bicarbonate levels. The given ABG values show a low pH (7.22), which indicates acidosis, not alkalosis. Additionally, the primary issue is respiratory, as indicated by the high PaCO₂.